Flow-Induced Calcification Service

More cost effective and ethical method to assess calcification than animal models

ViVitro Labs calcification testing is available for cardiovascular devices including prosthetic valves and conduits and other cardiovascular devices that contain tissue, or may be susceptible to calcification.

Bioprosthetic heart valves are superior to mechanical valves in hemodynamic performance and do not require lifetime anticoagulation therapy. However, they may succumb to premature tissue calcification, which is triggered by calcific aortic valve disease.

Calcification Process

Von Kossa staining to detect calcific deposits (shown in black)

Immersing cardiovascular devices in a saturated calcification solution and exposing them to mechanical stresses associated with full opening and closing under normotensive backpressures creates leaflet calcification similar to that observed in vivo.

Calcification Applications

3D reconstruction of the calcified heart valve using μCT, the calcium. (Deposits are shown as colored regions. The relatively small degree of calcification demonstrates the effectiveness of anti-calcification treatment. )

This method can be useful for evaluating the calcification potential of a novel device when compared against a reference valve or determining the effectiveness of anti-calcification treatments when comparing treated and untreated valves. It can also be useful for identifying regions of the device which are more susceptible to calcification.

Optional Testing Services

Demonstrate effectiveness of anti-calcification treatment

The degree of calcification can be quantified using μCT, Spectroscopy, or histology (Von Kossa staining) upon request.

The volume and location of calcium deposits can be determined with μCT. This test can give bulk distribution throughout the valve, or highlight calcium deposit through the thickness of the
tissue depending on the resolution selected.

As a valve calcifies it also becomes increasingly stenotic. Increased gradients across the valve can be characterized by ViVitro with hydrodynamic testing before and after calcification.

ViVitro Labs Advantages

Many companies look to academia to handle their flow visualization experiments due to their low cost. With ViVitro Laboratory Services you gain the following advantages:

Time to Market
We understand how critical your timelines are. We work to your schedule and deliver to our commitments. We design unique tests to meet specific developmental or regulatory needs.